Masnavi manuscripts in Gazi Husrev bey library in Sarajevo

Abstract

This article presents the Masnavi manuscripts from the Gazi Bey Library manuscript collection in Sarajevo, which holds the largest number of manuscripts of this work . These manuscripts can generally be divided into those that contain the text of this work, its comments and finally works that are in different ways related with Masnavi, but do not contain the text of the work itself. In Gazi Husrev-bey library, the integral text of the first, second and fifth volumes of the Masnavia and fragments of the first and seventh, apocryphal volumes are kept. With regard to comments, there are Šem’i and Ankaravi comments on the Turkish and Sururi comment in Persian.

Shorter works, comments of individual parts or poems from Masnavi can also be found. Among the other works in the library are glossary of Masnavi terms and phrases, and a work written in praise of Rumi’s masterpiece, which still provides valuable information about the impact of Masnavi. Given the language in which they were written, there are manuscripts in Persian, Turkish and bilingual manuscripts. The general conclusion is that the Masnavi manuscripts in Gazi Husrev bey Library, although fewer than some other texts in Persian, are mainly well- known because of their diversity. This diversity is testimony to the broad interests of the Masnavi and the respect this book enjoyed, and not only among the educated elite, but also among different social groups.